We sat down with comedian, Skin Deep columnist and straight-edger Paul Sweeney to talk about emerging trends, tattoos and the importance of the Hardcore scene. We also discussed the heritage of the scene and how the new generation of youths are bringing a fresh dynamic… 

 

Why are tattoos so important to you and the scene? Where does tattoo culture draw influence?

I’m obviously a fan of self-expression, albeit mainly through the medium of tattooing and its many subcultures. The Hardcore scene has cultivated and inspired so many other great scenes, sXe included, it’s an integral part of tattoo culture.

I think that music, fashion, art & culture feed and inspire each other. That’s why they all still exist & will always continue to evolve.

How did you get into the Straight Edge scene (sXe)? How long have you ‘abstained’?

I’ve been clean & sober for over four years, vegetarian for five years and have recently stopped smoking too. I think the Straight Edge scene is great; an alternative lifestyle with an alternative lifestyle, that really appeals to what I consider to be the true meaning of Punk.

I love your description ’an alternative lifestyle with an alternative lifestyle, that really appeals to what I consider to be the true meaning of Punk.’ What is the true meaning of Punk for you, and how do Hardcore and sXe fit together in your eyes? 

Punk, in its earliest manifestation, was about self-expression and individuality; I think to many people it still is. But with its introduction into the mainstream, through figureheads such as Malcolm McLaren & Vivienne Westwood, Punk became identifiable as a genre. I still see Punk as an expression; being nonconformist, doing things in a way that suits you, because that is who you are, that’s what punk is to me. It’s shouldn’t be negative & selfish, it should represent a strong & positive attitude. That’s why, in my opinion, so many people associated with Punk and its many sub genres/influences are tattooed, because nothing shows commitment to self expression like custom tattoos & body modification.

UK Tribes is all about 16-24 year olds – Hardcore and sXe is now a big (and growing) Tribe for young people, especially over last 3-5 years. Why do you think young people are entering the scene?

I think the reason the Hardcore and sXe scene has seen an increase in popularity recently could partly be due to a resurgence in music and fashion from the grunge scene of the 80s and 90s. Punk is also has its routes in politics & we are currently in a similar political & economical situation to the late 70s early 80s, the decades when Punk was born & ruled.

I’m wondering if its popularity and young people ‘trying it on’ as a fashion look, but not really understanding the values/meaning of the scene dilutes it all?

Personally I don’t see how young people entering into the scene can possibly be a bad thing. The survival of any particular scene is dependent on the introduction of fresh blood and new ideas. It might not be how it was in the good old days, but we’re not in the ‘good old days’ anymore, so what was relevant back then, might not be as relevant now.

I think it’s really important to know the origins of whatever scene you’re involved in; after all, how can you expect to know you like something enough, to want adopt it as part of your identity, without knowing anything about it.